If You Forget Me

I want you to know,

one thing

You know how it is-

if i look

at the crystal moon, at the red branch

of the slow autumn at my window

if i touch

near the fire

the impalpable ash

of the wrinkled body of the log,

everything carries me to you

as if everything that exists

aromas, lights, metals,

where the little boats

that sail

towards those isles of yours that wait for me

Well now,

if little by little you stop loving me

I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly

you forget about me,

do not look for me.

for I shall already have forgotten you

if you think it long and mad

the winds of banners

that passes through my life

and you decide

to leave me at the shore

of the heart where i have roots

remember

on that day

at that hour

I shall lift my arms

and my roots will set off

and seek another land

But

if each day

each hour

you feel that you are destined for me

with implacable sweetness,

if each day a flower

climbs up to your lips to seek me

ah my love, ah my own

in me all that fire is repeated

In me nothing is ever extinguished or forgotten

my love feeds on your love, beloved

as long as you live it, it will be in your arms

without leaving mine

Pablo Neruda 1904-1973

This poem really moves me. I feel Pablo speaks of a love that is unconditional, yet seems absurd. Maybe because of distance or maybe because of separation. The poet speaks of soul mates. That kind of love brings anguish, fear and paranoia, pain and fear of losing the one you care most for. So he creates a mask for him to hide behind, a safety net so he doesn't become hurt. "If suddenly you forget me, do not look for me-for i shall already have forgotten you" As you read on, Pablo clearly indicates that his love for this woman will never die, never subside. His love will persevere even once his heart is broken. "In me nothing is extinguished or forgotten"

Everything brings him back to her. Every scent, every beautiful image, every touch. A flower, a wrinkled log, sail boats reminds him of her in all her glory. Making it impossible for him to forget her.

Many people would argue the true meaning of this poem. Many believe this poem was about Pablo's exile from Chile, about his undying adoration for his homeland. The sights, sounds, tastes, all is beautiful to him.